Humpback Limia Care Guide
Limia nigrofasciata is a small livebearer endemic to Lake Miragoâne in Haiti; mature males develop a humped back. IUCN lists it as Critically Endangered.
Overview
Limia nigrofasciata, the humpback limia, is a small freshwater livebearer of the family Poeciliidae, described by Regan in 1913. It is endemic to Haiti, found in Lake Miragoâne. Both sexes show translucent bodies with dark vertical bars; mature males develop an enlarged dorsal fin and a distinctly humped back. FishBase records a maximum standard length of about 5.2 cm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Poeciliidae
- Genus: Limia
- Scientific name: Limia nigrofasciata
- Described by: Regan, 1913
Habitat
The species lives in Lake Miragoâne, occupying areas with submerged aquatic vegetation and muddy bottoms. FishBase notes that it usually occurs in large schools over a variety of bottom types, and young hide in vegetation.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 7.5-8.5
- GH: 12-25 °dGH
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
It is an omnivore. Gut analyses reported on Wikipedia indicate it feeds chiefly on detritus and algae; in the aquarium it accepts most foods, and the diet should include vegetable matter.
Compatibility
A peaceful, social species that usually swims in shoals. It is best kept in hard, slightly alkaline water and is not suited to soft-water tankmates. Males may be territorial toward one another, while females are generally non-aggressive.
Breeding
Limia nigrofasciata is a livebearer. FishBase reports broods of about 20-30 young; Wikipedia notes females produce 15-30 relatively large young. Higher temperatures have been associated with a greater proportion of females. Males perform courtship displays such as tail-wagging and lateral presentation.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered (assessed 2020). Threats to Lake Miragoâne include deforestation, water pollution and climate change; no species-specific protection measures are currently in place.